The Secrets of Master Brewers

Techniques, Traditions, and Homebrew Recipes for 26 of the World’s Classic Beer Styles, from Czech Pilsner to English Old Ale

Best-selling author Jeff Alworth takes serious beer aficionados on a behind-the-scenes tour of 26 major European and North American breweries that create some of the world’s most classic beers. Learn how the Irish make stout, the secrets of traditional Czech pilsner, and what makes English cask ale unique by delving deep into the specific techniques, equipment, and geographical factors that shape these distinctive styles. Contemporary brewers carrying on their traditions share insider knowledge and 26 original recipes to guide experienced homebrewers in developing your own special versions of each style.

Meet the Authors

Jeff Alworth

Stan Hieronymus

Review quotes

“This guided tour of some of the finest breweries in Europe and North America showcases the culture, brewing techniques, equipment, and geographic factors that shape their distinctive beers. But the true value of this book may be the 26 recipes Alworth includes for creating each style, including Irish Stout, German Weissbier, Belgian Saison, Italian Lager and American Hoppy Ale.” —Ale Street News

“Making art without a sense of what has come before is empty rattling. With insight from the people who live the world’s great beer traditions, Jeff Alworth helps us appreciate the subtle and somewhat hidden attitudes and practices that make each classic style so uniquely delicious.” — Randy Mosher, best-selling author of Tasting Beer

“One of the truly essential books on modern brewing, period. This immaculately detailed gift to the entire brewing community is a treasure trove of insight into how great beers are actually made. No other brewing book, aimed at professionals or homebrewers, could improve your brewing as much as this one will.” — Ben Edmunds, brewmaster at Breakside Brewery in Portland, OR